2024 Wood Family Vineyards “Pink Pearl” Rosé of Grenache
Photo ©Michael Kelly
Background
This wine is named for Rhonda Wood’s, owner & winemaker of Wood Family Vineyards, group of girlfriends. The “Pearl Girls” used to grab lunch at Pearl’s Cafe in Fremont. It started as Rhonda states “at a time of adversity” where they “shared about their lives, supporting each other and shamelessly laughing”. It is a wine dedicated to her friends and their solid relationships which have created memories that will last a lifetime. Rhonda makes the Rosé to her style with strawberry notes.
The Wine – “Wine is bottled Poetry” – Robert Louis Stevenson
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine is made from 100% Grenache grapes. 2024 vintage is 14% alcohol and 588 cases were produced. This vintage will be released in mid-May 2025, just in time for refreshing summer patio dining accompaniment. Price will be $34/bottle. Rhonda mentioned that the wine is in stainless steel for 4 months. Also, that the grapes for the Rosé are “picked earlier than the grapes going into their red wine program”. Rhonda states this is to “retain the natural acidity and to keep the wine bright and fresh”.
Photo ©Michael Kelly
First on the eyes an eye-catching and startling combination of pink and copper coloring. On the nose dried strawberries and tangerine along with Rose petals engulf the olfactory senses. On the palate honeysuckle and watermelon are the dominant flavors with secondary flavors being mild citrus springing forth of grapefruit. The finish provides a moderate and subtle citrus to complete the tasting experience. Served chilled to enhance the experience.
The Food and Wine Pairing – “Food without wine is a corpse; wine without food is a ghost. United and well matched, they are as body and soul: living partners” – Andre Simon
Photo ©Michael Kelly
This wine was specifically chosen to go with tonight’s dinner of blackened Mahi Mahi with a Mexican preparation. While in Modesto at Ohana Seafood that morning, selected the Mahi Mahi that had just come in that morning and was cut up into 8 ounce filets. I have used a very strong seasoned dry rub for various fish, but with Mahi Mahi being a milder, slightly sweet fish wanted a rub not to be “too strong”. Combined several “lighter dry rub recipes” and it included garlic powder, coriander, cumin, and smoked paprika and a pinch of chili powder. Pan fried in butter, white wine and fresh squeezed lemon juice. Yesterday we stopped at a new restaurant for us called Las Casuelas for lunch. The meal was very good, and their fresh salsa was one of the best tasted. We took home a 16-ounce container. While not wanting to overpower the Mahi Mahi, the filet was served with a drizzle of this spicy sauce. Accompanied by chips and a side of the salsa for a light and delicious meal.
A very complementary pairing with just enough contrast to create a balanced Yin-Yang push/pull meal. The Wood Family Vineyards Pink Pearl was a very solid choice for the dinner.
The Winery
Rhonda Wood, Owner & Winemaker and Harrison Wood, Executive VP
Photo from Wood Family Vineyards website
Wood Family Vineyards, located in eastern Livermore Valley, with Rhonda Wood owner & winemaker, has been producing award winning wines for over two decades. You can read more on her background from airline pilot to award winning winemaker at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/10/wood-family-vineyards-2/
and
Her awards are extensive and too numerous to list here in this article.
Sláinte,
Michael Kelly
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://woodfamilyvineyards.com/
https://www.lascasuelasmexicanrestaurant.com